Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is a new process designed to make sure new developments deliver a net positive impact on the natural environment.
It requires new developments to be designed and planned in ways that minimise any loss and damage to existing habitats and compensate and off-set any damage caused.
Biodiversity net gain is defined as the achievement of measurable gains for biodiversity through new development (e.g. biodiversity is left in a measurably better state than before development began). Biodiversity net gain is important because:
- the natural environment provides benefits to us all, and is essential for the processes that support life on this planet
- many habitats are lost or degraded by development, and there are limited measures in place to value, maintain, enhance and create wildlife habitats
- it delivers measurable improvements for biodiversity by enhancing or creating new habitats in association with development
Useful links
- National planning practice guidance sets out further detail of what net gain is.
- You can read further information on the importance of biodiversity on the Royal Society website and the Convention on Biological Diversity website.
- You can also read the biodiversity net gain brochure on the Natural England website for an overview of BNG and its benefits.
All planning applications for new development (excluding works to domestic properties) now have to meet new biodiversity requirements.